Pre-empting criticism: Nawaz advised to review AJK tour

CEC earlier took notice of visits of political bigwigs


Sardar Sikander July 18, 2016
Asked how the AJK CEC would respond in case Premier Nawaz visited AJK ahead of the polls, he said, “In that case, necessary action would be initiated depending upon the nature of the matter in the light of the related constitutional provisions.” PHOTO: REUTERS

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is reviewing a plan to visit Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after the valley’s chief election commissioner (CEC) took notice of the visits of political bigwigs ahead of the July 21 polls in the semi-autonomous region.

“PM Nawaz has been advised by his close confidantes to reconsider his AJK visit ahead of the general elections,” a source in the PML-N told The Express Tribune.

He is scheduled to land in Islamabad from Lahore tomorrow (Monday) and was supposed to tour AJK to boost the PML-N’s election campaign.

AJK CEC Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal recently wrote a letter to AJK President Sardar Yaqoob, requesting him to maintain neutrality and dignity of his official position by not getting involved in the political activities.



AJK president visited the electoral constituency of his daughter Farzana Yaqoob, a PPP candidate for AJK Legislative Assembly from Rawlakot. This prompted the CEC to intervene by ordering the withdrawal of state security given to the AJK president and PM till general polls.

Sources in the PML-N said even though there is no direct restriction on Nawaz to visit any AJK constituency, it would  be in bad taste and invite criticism from the rival political parties and affect PML-N in the polls.

The sources cited AJK’s code of conduct that bars AJK prime minister, speaker and deputy speaker of AJK LA, federal AJK ministers, and federal AJK cabinet members from visiting any constituency till the polls were over.

It does not directly restrict presidents of the AJK, Pakistan and PM Nawaz from visiting the valley in mentioned scenario. However, possible political implications of any such visit in the existing circumstances are said to have compelled Nawaz to reconsider his plans.

Talking to The Express Tribune, AJK Election Commission spokesman Tariq Mahmood Butt said the AJK CEC urged the top ruling functionaries not to visit the electoral constituencies in the valley in order to ensure transparency and fairness in the polls.

Asked how the AJK CEC would respond in case Premier Nawaz visited AJK ahead of the polls, he said, “In that case, necessary action would be initiated depending upon the nature of the matter in the light of the related constitutional provisions.”

Direct elections are being held on 41 seats of the 48-seat AJK LA.

“The AJK elections code of conduct equally applies to the 12 refugees seats in Pakistan. If we receive any complaint that government functionaries visited any of these constituencies, action shall be initiated accordingly,” Butt added.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2016.

 

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